16 
CHAPTER 2 
DATA 
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW 
2.1.1 GENERAL GEOLOGY 
The Economic Geology Research Institute of the University of the Witwatersrand in 
Johannesburg in 2001 produced a comprehensive bibliography entitled ?The Vredefort 
impact structure and directly related subjects: an updated bibliography? (Reimold & 
Coney, 2001). 
One of the earliest maps produced (judging from the portrayed simplistic structure of the 
Vredefort Dome) for the area is an undated map (Figure 5 in Appendix A) produced by 
WE Bleloch, currently on display at the Geological Records Section of the Anglo-
American Head Office at 45 Main Street, Johannesburg. The map must have been 
produced following Stow‘s recognition of the overturned strata, even though he 
attributed it to a volcanic centre (Nel, 1927). 
A very detailed map (Appendix A, Figure 6) of the Vredefort Dome was produced by 
Louis T Nel over the period of 1923 to 1925 with the accompanying explanation of the 
map (Nel, 1927).  
An electronic version of Bisschoff‘s (1999a) map of the Vredefort Dome was used in this 
study and is to date the best detailed map of the area. The accompanying explanation 
of the map (1:50000) by Bisschoff (1999b) is a concise summary of the general geology 
of the area. 
As far as the geological description is concerned, Nel (1927) mentioned that GW Stow 
made the first contribution to the geology of the area. Stow‘s observations were 
documented in the 1878 report of the Geological Survey of the Orange Free State 
(Minnaar, 1989). Hall and Molengraaff released a memoir in 1925, after a visit to the 
Vredefort Dome, in which they mentioned that Bunkell, Draper, Gibson, Hatch, Higgs, 
Mellor, Penning, Penny, Robinson and Sawyer had all contributed to the geological 
knowledge of the area.  
The enigma of the Vredefort Dome has attracted numerous researchers focusing on the 
geology and origin of the circular structure, being volcanic or extra-terrestrial. Among 
these researchers are Bisschoff (1969, 1973, 1984); Stepto (1979), Albat and Mayer 
17 
(1989), Antoine et al. (1990), Corner et al. (1990), Hart et al. (1981a, b, 1990a, b), 
Stepto (1990), Mayer (1992), Martini (1992), Hart et al. (1995), Tredoux et al. (1999), 
Brink et al. (2000a, b), Nicolaysen and Reimold (1999), Gibson and Reimold (2001), 
and Reimold and Gibson (2005), to name but a few. 
2.1.2 GEOCONSERVATION 
The geoconservation initiatives in South Africa seem sparse compared to Europe and 
the Far East. Despite the geological treasure of South Africa spanning geological time 
from >3500 Ma to recent times, very little has been done to conserve this heritage. In 
1999 Reimold sent an invitation to the geological community of South Africa, as well as 
the whole of Africa to preserve our unique geological heritage and protect unique 
geological features from vandalism.  
The Geological Society of South Africa‘s Geoconservation Committee is the current 
body providing a platform for the development of the geoconservation concept which is 
believed to be of critical importance. An inaugural workshop on geoparks, geological 
and mining conservation and tourism development in South Africa was held the 22nd of 
June 2007 by the Geological Society of South Africa‘s Geoconservation Committee at 
the Council for Geoscience, Pretoria (GSSA, 2007). The UNESCO network of Global 
Geoparks is very active in Europe, Australia and the Far East. The 4th International 
Geoparks Conference was presented in Malaysia, hosted by the Langkawi Geopark in 
April 2010 (UNESCO, 2010).  
2.1.3 GEOTOURISM 
Two books with the aim of introducing South Africa‘s geological treasures to amateurs 
are: ?An introduction to South Africa‘s geological and mining heritage? by Viljoen and 
Reimold (1999), and ?Geological Journeys? by Norman and Whitfield (2006). The first 
became a popular reference book, mainly to members of the mining community in 
South Africa. The latter serves as a traveller‘s guide to South Africa‘s rocks and 
landforms. Schutte (2009) produced a comprehensive overview of the current state of 
affairs relating to the sustainable development of geotourism in South Africa. 
18 
2.1.4 MINING 
Very little information exists on the mining history of the VD. The historic mineral rights 
system which existed in South Africa in the previous century enforced secrecy between 
companies holding mineral rights in the area, mainly for gold. The result is that only 
limited statutory reporting provides figures and information. The main mining areas or 
mines around Rooderand and the Great Western mine were described in some detail 
with the lesser known activities escaping publicity. 
The limited information, that is available, is contained in the early geological publications 
like those of Nel (1927), Kriel and Germishuys (1957), Borchers (1964), Whiteside et al. 
(1976), and Robb and Robb (1998), while Brink and Waanders (2011) wrote up a 
comprehensive, but regrettably, unpublished document of the history of activities 
relating to gold-mining per farm in the VD. A detailed report of what was accumulated 
during this study is given in the following Section. 
2.2 VREDEFORT DOME GOLDFIELD: IDENTIFICATION AND 
DESCRIPTION OF GOLD-MINING ACTIVITIES 
2.2.1 GOLD-MINING HISTORY 
Exploration in the VDWHS must have been a daunting task even if the vegetation was 
less dense than today (J van der Merwe, personal communication: 15 November 2007). 
Prospectors must have traversed the mountains in great detail and followed on strike 
extensions of reefs with difficulty. It seems as if in no case had any conglomerates been 
seen on surface that escaped the prospectors hammer. 
Robb and Robb (1998) refer to the Venterskroon Goldfield in the Vredefort Dome. Due 
to the wider distribution of mining activities in the VD, covering a much larger area than 
just that of the Venterskroon area, it is proposed that the so-called Venterskroon 
Goldfield should be enlarged and named the Vredefort Dome Goldfield (Figure 7). The 
location of the proposed Vredefort Dome Goldfield in relation to the other Goldfields of 
the Witwatersrand basin is shown in Figure 7.  
According to De Jager (2005) the earliest recorded gold exploration activity in the 
Vredefort Dome area was in 1853. In the northern section of the Dome in the 
Rooderand area the Kimberley Reefs, locally known as the Amazon Reef, of the 
Turffontein Subgroup was extensively explored. Nel (1927), however, mentioned that   
19 
Figure 7 
  
20 
prospecting operations were first undertaken ?round about the year 1888?. A Mr Marx, 
owner of the farm Lindequesfontein situated south of Reitzburg, applied on 10 
September 1887 to the State to have his farm opened as public diggings for extraction 
of the Veldschoen Reef (Kriel & Germishuys, 1957). The first claims were issued on 1 
December 1887 on this farm.  
The climax of the mining activities around Schoemansdrif was the surveying work done 
to establish a mining town, which would have been called Bothasburg probably in close 
proximity to the current Reitzburg, west of Schoemansdrift. The position of 
Schoemansdrift is indicated on the map displaying the gold-bearing reef exposures 
which was prospected or mined in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site (Appendix 
B). The Lindequesfontein area later adopted the name Reitzburg in honour of President 
Reitz, the President of the Orange Free State, one of independent Republics of the 
time. The high price of mining machinery led to the establishment of various companies 
like Molteno Kie, Philippolis Kie, Neebe and Rörich, Devon Kie and Vredefort Kie.  
From 1891, following the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand, interest in the VD area 
increased due to the similarity of sedimentary units to those in the Johannesburg area 
(Minnaar, 1989). Gold was later also discovered in the Archaean schists on 
Blaauwboschpoort 13 near the Greenlands Station in the south-eastern section of the 
Dome (Nel, 1927). 
Mining continued, interrupted by the Anglo-Boer war (1899-1903), until late in the 20th 
century. Several periods of mining activity can be derived from various references (Kriel 
& Germishuys, 1957; Robb & Robb, 1998; De Jager, 2005; Brink & Waanders, 2011). 
The first is the period pre-dating the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1903); the second, the 
years after the war up to 1911; the third, the resurgence of activities in 1930; and the 
last being the limited mining drive around the 1990s. 
Several syndicates were formed to mine gold-bearing conglomerate bands or ?banket? 
as it was known, with resulting mining activities in different localities in the region. The 
term ?banket‘ is named after a ?sweet cake? made with almonds resembling the texture 
of the pebbles in the conglomerates. The term ?reef‘ was later introduced by sailors as 
the protruding quartz vein was likened to a coral reef standing out of the water 
(Handley, 2004). Some photographs of historic mining activities that typify mining 
conditions in the Vredefort Goldfield at the time are shown in Figure 8.  
In this study, the names of the mining areas as mentioned by Robb and Robb (1998) 
are used, but where unnamed mining activities are described, the farm name is used. 
21 
Appendix C lists the coordinates of the prospecting trenches and mines identified during 
this study. The list contains both the mines for which a mine name exists and the 
unnamed mines which are listed under the farm name on which it occurs. 
 
Figure 8 a-d. Historic mining photographs (courtesy Ben van Wyk, Extract Training Pty Ltd., 
photographer unknown). See text for more detailed description. Figure 8a shows some 
equipment, the wooden support and the poor initial safety standards where hard hats were 
optional. In Figure 8b a hand operated conveyance system running on tracks can be seen. An 
inclined stope and the use of carbide lamps are visible in Figure 8c. The use of mules to convey 
hoppers is seen in Figure 8d.  
The suspension of operations which could not be pinpointed to a specific date was 
ascribed by Nel (1927) to careless management, too much attention being paid to share 
speculation in the first instance, and to the results being insufficiently encouraging. Kriel 
and Germishuys (1957) mentioned that a local Vredefort mine inspector, Mar. 
Robinson, reported even before the Anglo-Boer war that ?de riffen schyn zeer patchy te 
zyn?, indicating that the decrease in mining activities were due to erratic occurrence of 
the reefs in the area. 
Statements like the following in Nel (1927:113): ?the reef is faulted at the 20-feet level 
and the continuation was never located?, support the idea of the structure also playing 
a 
b 
c d 
22 
havoc with mining entrepreneurs probably trying to resolve geological aspects by 
themselves, not realizing that the rocks where overturned. 
2.2.2 GEOLOGY 
The Vredefort Dome lies almost in the centre of the oval-shaped Witwatersrand Basin 
with dimensions 300 by 150 km. Even though the gold bearing reefs are minimally 
exposed at surface elsewhere, in the VD they and their hanging and footwall lithologies 
can be clearly seen and studied.  
Stratigraphy 
The lowermost quartzite of the Witwatersrand Supergroup lies concordant on rocks of 
the Dominium Group and discordant on rocks of the Swazium Erathem (Minnaar, 1989). 
The Dominium Group rocks occur between the basement gneiss and the Witwatersrand 
Supergroup rocks from the south-western to the northern sectors of the Vredefort Dome 
(Hart et al., 1981a, b). No evidence of conglomerate preservation in the Dominion 
Group exists in the Vredefort Dome area even though this Group was extensively mined 
in the Hartbeesfontein area north-west of Klerksdorp, some 100km from the Vredefort 
Dome. The overlying amygdaloidal, andesitic Ventersdorp lava lies concordant on the 
Witwatersrand Supergroup (Bisschoff, 1999a, b). The stratigraphic subdivision 
according to SACS (1980) for the Klerksdorp and Central Rand Goldfields area is 
generally accepted for the Vredefort Dome area and was modified after Van Graan 
(1983) and Bisschoff (1999b) (Figure 9). The general lithology and thicknesses of the 
Witwatersrand units are given in the stratigraphic column depicted in Figure 9. 
Sedimentology 
According to work done by Robb and Robb (1998) the average thickness of the 
Witwatersrand Supergroup in the Vredefort Dome area is approximately 7,500 m. This 
succession was deposited between 3,074 and 2,714 Ma ago (Robb & Robb, 1998, after 
Armstrong et al., 1991; Barton et al., 1989; Robb et al., 1990; 1992). The Central Rand 
Group is approximately 2,200 m and the West Rand Group 4,000 m thick. Minnaar 
(1989) calculated the composition of the Central Rand Group at 95 percentage 
sandstone and 5 percentage shale and the West Rand Group to contain 44 percentage 
sandstone and 56 percentage shale. Minnaar (1989) also noted that the Supergroup is   
23 
Units Thickness m. Subgroup Lithology
Conglomerate
Quartzites with occasional shaley zones
1 478
Amazon, Cullinan, South or Great Western Reef 
(Kimberley Reef Correlation)
46 Kimberley Shales
Coarse-grained quartzites with grits and impersistent conglomerates
1 524
Yellow, Rous and Meisters Series, Red and Odin Reef or                                     
Witfontein Leader (Livingstone or Main Reef Correlation)
122 Upper Jeppestown Shale
158 Quartzites
91 Jeppe amygdaloid
107 Quartzites
116 Slates
305 Quartzites
168 Alternating quartzites and shales
Veldschoen Reef
274 Slates
6, 12 Quartzites, Slates
46
Quartzites (Some grits which develop into conglomerates)
73 Slates
216 Quartzites
91 Slates ferruginous near base
11 Dark grit 2,5 cm wide,quartzites
267 Slates   
96 Quartzite
26
Slate
29 Quartzite
43
Slate
85 Quartzite
91 Slate
5 Grit (dark) locally developed into conglomerate
366 Quartzite with occasional lensed of conglomerate
244 Slates
107 Upper Hospital Hill Quartzites (greenish)
183 Slates
41
Lower Hospital Hill Quartzites (greenish)
488
Contorted beds (argillaceous rocks)
0-30
Speckled bed
183 Water tower Slates
55
Orange Grove Quartzites
107
H
O
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P
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A
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H
I
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L
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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F
O
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I
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J
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H
A
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E
S
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1
1
9
4
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
J
E
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M
E
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1
5
2
4
1
5
2
4
1
3
5
9
1
6
8
9
Notes:
Brown colour - argillaceous 
sedimentary rock 
Pinkish colour - quartzite and 
conglomerate
Green colour - igneous rocks
Red lines - gold reefs in the Vredefort 
Goldfield 
Three major reefs mined in the VDWHS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 9. Stratigraphic column of the Witwatersrand Supergroup and the reefs of the Vredefort 
Dome Goldfield modified after van Graan (1983), and Bisschoff (1999b).  
 
 
24 
best-developed in the western part of the Vredefort Dome due to more rapid subsidence 
of the basin during Jeppestown and Central Rand times. The abundance and thickness 
of conglomerate bands increases towards the top of the Central Rand Group of the 
Witwatersrand Super group. Minnaar (1989) proposed a tidal flat complex model for the 
Hospital Hill Subgroup, a prograding delta for the Government and Jeppestown 
Subgroup, and a fan delta for the Central Rand Group in the Vredefort Dome. 
Gold-bearing Reefs 
The following three reef packages were mined in the Vredefort Dome Goldfield (Figures 
9 and 10): 
? The Amazon Reef, also known as the Cullinan, South, Rous, Jumbo or Great 
Western Reef(s) (local terminology), occurring in the Turffontein Subgroup of the 
upper Central Rand Group; 
? The Meister Reefs, also known as the Odin, Main, Red Reefs, or Witfontein 
Leader (local terminology), occurring at the base of the Johannesburg Subgroup 
of the upper Central Rand Group; 
? Veldschoen Reefs in the Jeppestown Subgroup of the lower West Rand Group. 
Amazon Reefs (Cullinan/South/Rous/Jumbo or Great Western Reefs) 
These reefs occur in the Turffontein Subgroup (Figure 9) where conglomerates are 
generally very abundant. These particular reefs are generally poorly sorted, oligomictic 
and proximal in nature. The pebbles are mainly vein quartz. The Vredefort Dome 
Goldfield does not, according to Robb and Robb (1998), appear to be a distal facies of 
either the Klerksdorp or Carletonville Goldfields.  
Red Reefs (Meister/Odin/Main/ or Witfontein Leader) 
The Meister Reef occurs at the base of the Johannesburg Subgroup and correlates to 
the Livingstone or Main Reef (Figures 9). These reefs are being mined in the West and 
Central Rand goldfields. These particular reefs are generally well sorted, oligomictic and 
distal in nature. The pebbles are also mainly vein quarts. 
Veldschoen Reef 
This reef occurs in the Jeppestown Subgroup (Figures 9). Van Graan (1983) mentioned 
that poor sorting and coarse pebble sizes characterize the Veldschoen Reef. Nel (1927)   
25 
  
26 
mentioned that the Veldschoen Reef is very lenticular, fading into a single line of 
scattered pebbles or even a coarse or medium grained quartzite in places directly 
overlying the shales. Pebbles are mostly of quartz, quartzite, slate, and chert 
composition. These pebbles are generally well rounded, and pebble to matrix supported 
in a coarse matrix. 
Structure 
Robb and Robb (1998) mention that the Witwatersrand strata around the rim of the 
Vredefort Dome represent the most structurally disturbed portion of the entire 
Witwatersrand basin. The intensity of deformation is evident from the overturned strata 
observed at various localities but most prominent along the north-western collar of the 
structure. Faulting abounds as normal faults, bedding-parallel faults and thrusts with 
abundant mylonite and pseudotachylite.  
The structural complexity played a detrimental role in the success of mining operations. 
In numerous on-reef developments observed throughout the study area, development 
went off reef due to structure. In hardly any case were development redirected to get 
back on reef. The intermittent and mainly unsuccessful exploration activities could also 
be linked to the structural complexities.  
Incorrect geological interpretation is proposed as an alternative reason for the low 
grades encountered. From this investigation, mining seems to have been focused on 
the bottom of the reefs as the sampling results from the other Witwatersrand goldfields 
indicated bottom-loaded reefs (gold-mineralization grades are normally much higher in 
the stratigraphic base of the reefs). The problem in the Vredefort Dome is that the 
stratigraphy has been overturned (Figure 11) and uninformed miners were mining the 
stratigraphic top of the reef where lower gold grades are typically found! 
Mine activities on the different gold-bearing reefs 
The mining infrastructure on the different reefs will next be described in more detail. It is 
evident from the remains of mining infrastructure (buildings, platforms for equipment, 
etc.) that various independent small scale entrepreneurs were active in the area. The 
observed scale and variety of the remains of infrastructure assisted in the identification 
of a representative set of geotourism sites. 
  
27 
 
Figure 11. Picture taken at site N1 on the farm Nooitgedacht 89, indicating mining on the 
Veldschoen Reef. It is obvious that the mining was focused on the stratigraphic top of the reef 
that can easily be confused with the base of the reef due to the dip. Miners, none the wiser, did 
not realise that the reefs and strata had been overturned. 
Mining of the Turffontein Subgroup (Amazon, Cullinan, Great Western, South, Rous and 
Jumbo Reefs) 
A total of 65 mining sites were identified in these reefs and are indicated on a GIS map 
(Appendix B and Figure 10). Various small to medium size exploration trenches, as well 
as mines occur on each of the farms as indicated in Appendix B. These reefs were the 
most extensively explored and mined in the Vredefort Goldfield. The following mining 
areas were identified on these reefs: 
? Koedoesfontein 478IQ. (Koedoesfontein 12 on Nel‘s 1923-5 map). 
No literature reference could be found for this mine. 
Stratigraphic 
top of reef 
Stratigraphic 
bottom of 
reef 
28 
Classification 
Mines and prospecting trenches exist.  
Infrastructure 
The mining infrastructure at this area consists of one walled adit, four winzes, two vent-
holes and a large number of prospecting trenches of which one is approximately three 
meters deep and six meters long.  
 
Beneficiation 
No beneficiation activities were observed but the transportation of ore towards the 
Rooderand area seems obvious. The old mine route can be followed intermittently by 
observing tree growth and rock stacks alongside the road. In this area the old mine 
route is also currently used for a fire-control access road by local landowners. 
Buildings 
The adit has been partially closed with a brick wall. This enables the landowner to utilize 
the water that builds up in the mine for irrigation purposes. There is also a facility to tap 
water into fire fighter vehicles. The use of the mine water which is expected to be 
contaminated due to the presence of pyrite in the reef is of concern here. 
Geotourism potential 
No tourism activities are currently being undertaken within these mining excavations 
and none of the mining excavations are recommended for tourism potential according to 
the proposed criteria as discussed in Section 3.3.1. 
The topography resulting from intense faulting in the area is remarkable, giving rise to a 
spring, the Enslin spruit. Although there is a concern regarding the safety aspect of the 
mine site, these types of geological factors resulting in specific landscape formation 
may also be highlighted as areas with geotourism potential. 
? Western portion of Buffelskloof 511IQ. (Buffelskloof 24 on Nel‘s 1923-5map). 
Classification 
Adits were observed. 
Infrastructure 
A total of seven adits were identified on this farm. 
29 
Beneficiation  
No sign of beneficiation activities was observed but the visible old mine road indicates 
transportation of ore towards Rooderand. 
Buildings  
Several ruins exist in close proximity to the excavations. Some of the claims near the 
mine entrances are still clearly legible as illustrated in Figure 12. 
Geotourism potential 
Mines were identified with potential to be made safe for tourists according to the 
proposed selection criteria. Some of these mines can be reached on foot from the 
Thabela Thabeng Resort on this farm and appears to be used as part of a hiking trail.  
 
Figure 12. Claims near one of the mine entrances near the Thabela Thabeng resort at 
Buffelskloof 511IQ. 
? Eastern portion on Buffelskloof 511IQ. (Buffelskloof 24 on Nel‘s 1923-5 map). 
Classification 
Adits were observed. 
Infrastructure 
Two adit entrances, B8 and B9 (Appendix C), occur on this farm.  
30 
Adit B8 is water filled and the dangerous overburden can be seen in Figure 13. This adit 
should be fenced in.  
B9 is an open adit which appears to have a holing resulting in through ventilation in the 
mine. The adit hanging wall and overburden are unstable and were not fully accessed 
(Figure 14). 
 
Figure 13. Adit, B8, with dangerous overburden and filled with water on the eastern portion of 
Buffelskloof 511IQ. 
 
Figure 14. Adit, B9, on the eastern portion of Buffelskloof 511IQ with dangerous overhang at the 
entrance. 
31 
Beneficiation  
No beneficiation ruins were observed here but it must be noted that the very dense 
vegetation is abundant and hindered observations. 
Buildings  
A stone building is present, currently hosting a borehole and it is not certain if the 
building is part of original ruins dating from the mining era. 
Geotourism potential 
Adit B9 was identified with geotourism potential.  
These two adits, B8 and B9, occur in a densely overgrown valley (Figure 15) and give 
some idea of the desperateness and thoroughness of the fortune seekers of the time. 
 
Figure 15. The valley on the eastern portion of Buffelskloof 511IQ in which the two adits (B8 and 
B9) occur. 
A fresh exposure of the Amazon Reef that was mined on this farm is shown in Figure 
16. The poor rounding of clasts, mainly milky quartz is evident. The dark matrix (due to 
sulphide mineralization) is visible and could indicate high gold values. 
 
Adits B8 and B9 
32 
 
 
Figure 16. A fresh exposure of the Amazon Reef from Buffelskloof 511IQ. This sample consists 
of poorly rounded milky quartz pebbles in a dark fine-grained matrix. 
Brink and Waanders (2011) mentioned that from September 1946 to March 1947 
Eastern Transvaal Consolidated conducted exploration drilling for the Main Reef and 
South Reef on this farm. The results from the borehole core were the following: BFK1 
returned 9.43g/t gold over 58.4 cm (531cm.g/t) at 105.1 m (Main Reef), BFK2 returned 
0.86g/t gold over 48.3 cm (41cm.g/t) at 407.82m (Main Reef) and 9.77g/t gold over 
73.7cm (720cm.g/t) at 421.51m for the South Reef. 
? Buffelskloof 483IQ (Buffelskloof 44 on Nel‘s 1923-5map). 
Classification 
Adits and trench. 
Infrastructure  
A vertical pit, BK1, and three reef drives, BK2 and 4, occur on this farm (Appendix C). 
Beneficiation  
No remains of beneficiation activities were observed. 
Buildings  
No mine buildings were observed. 
Geotourism potential 
Two of the reef drives are unventilated and the fact that development is not holed 
resulting in through ventilation (dead ends), pose serious safety hazards. None of the 
33 
mines are fenced off and dangerous hanging wall conditions occur. The mines are all 
difficult to locate and the farm itself is not easily accessible from the road. Two of the 
reef drives are nevertheless identified as being potential tourism sites. 
? Rooderand 510 IQ (Rooderand 26 on Nel‘s 1923-5map) 
Classification 
Several trenches and adits exist on this property. 
Infrastructure  
The full extent of mining development exists here from trenches, adits, reef drives to 
vent holes. 
Beneficiation  
Current beneficiation infrastructure exists in the form of sand dams, which are partially 
washed away. The possible beneficiation site and office activities are indicated by the 
occurrence of eucalyptus trees as the tendency in the past was to plant these trees for 
shade and mining support purposes close to the mining areas.  
Buildings  
Several stone building ruins and some cement structures are considered evidence of 
past mining activities. 
Geotourism potential 
Some of the ventilation holes, adits and reef drives were used for abseiling and mine 
tours in the past, these activities were however, ceased (Haggard, 2011, personal 
communication). 
Of great concern here are the popularity, visibility and easy access to these mining 
infrastructures. Most of the development is visible from the road with noticeable waste 
rock and reef stockpiles due to colour contrasts of the waste material, ascribed to acid 
mine drainage and oxidation of the reefs, in relation to the surroundings (Figure 17). 
Unauthorized access to the sites is encouraged by a permanent stepladder over 
existing cattle fences even though warning signage is present.  
Selected adits are recommended for tourism potential as indicated in Appendix C. 
34 
 
Figure 17. Mine workings, visible from the road (between Potchefstroom and Venterskroon) at 
Rooderand 510 IQ. The colour difference is due to weathering of pyrite present in the mined 
material. 
Robb and Robb (1998) mentioned that gold grades were low in the Rooderand area, 
and that gold-mining activities were terminated on Rooderand 510IQ during and after 
the Anglo-Boer War (1899 to 1903). Nel (1927) reported that statements were made to 
Dr Mellor that the Amazon ?Series‘ (Reef) on Rooderand in places contained gold to an 
average value of 4 or 5 dwts (pennyweights, commonly called ?weights? 1 dwts is equal 
to 1 ounce (oz)) to the ton (6.2 to 7.8 g/t).  
During 1887 the government bought a portion of the farm Rooderand 510IQ to establish 
Venterskroon as a mining town. This followed the registration of mining leases on the 
farms Rooderand 510IQ and Buffelskloof 511IQ.  
More recent mining activity includes drilling operations by ASTE in 1935 to explore the 
Amazon Reef, and in 1942 New Union Goldfields Limited acquired 33% of Rooderand 
Main Reef Mine shares (Brink & Waanders, 2011).?
? Nooitgedacht 508IQ (Nooitgedacht 56 on Nel‘s 1923-5 map). 
Classification 
Mines and adits were observed. 
  
35 
Infrastructure  
Seven workings with an extraction area were identified.  
During current renovations to the old farmstead a furnace was found behind a more 
recently built wall, which was probably built to cover the furnace for aesthetic purposes 
(Figure 18). From the smell of strong chemicals and stains around the furnace it is 
possible that this is where the gold reef samples were analysed.  
Extensive stoping was conducted at Nooitgedacht 508IQ resulting in stopes open at 
surface (Figure 19). Some of these mining excavations were recently equipped with 
ladders to enable entrance into the old workings (Figure 20).  
Porcupines were found breeding in one of the stopes. 
Beneficiation  
The Vaal River Company brought heavy machinery to mine six reefs on the farm 
Nooitgedacht 508IQ (Nel, 1927). Nel (1927) reported 7,747 tons of ?banket? being 
mined which yielded 855.160 ounces (24 kg) of fine gold in the period November 1909 
to October 1911 when the mine closed down. Brink and Waanders (2011) mentioned 
25kg gold from 5206 tons of ore at 4.83g/t. According to Brink and Waanders (2011) 
Central Mining Limited drilled boreholes J1 and J2 for Carbon Leader Reef on this farm 
in 1944 resulting in a maximum grade of 0.34g/t. The current property owner (GP 
Schoeman, 18 August 2010, personal communication) found evidence in the form of 
documentation indicating mining by the Amazon Mining Company from 1886 to 1910.  
The old steam engine portrayed in Figure 21, was used for pumping water from the 
river. It is believed that this engine might have been used at the mine when the mine 
was operational. 
Buildings  
Remains of a sand dam, as well as a very impressive stone and cement foundation 
where a stamp mill was possibly hosted, were observed (Figure 22). 
Geotourism potential 
An adit is recommended for tourism activity following a proper safety and risk 
management plan.  
 
36 
  
Figure 18. What is left of a furnace that is 
believed to have been used in the assaying of 
the gold ore at Nooitgedacht 508IQ 
Figure 19. Open stopes at Nooitgedacht 
508IQ where the Amazon Reef was mined. 
 
 
Figure 20. One of the stopes, K8, equipped with ladders at Nooitgedacht 508IQ. 
  
37 
 
Figure 21. The old steam engine believed 
to have been in operation at the Amazon 
mine, Nooitgedacht 508IQ (courtesy GP 
Schoeman). 
 
Figure 22. The foundation for a stamp mill at 
Nooitgedacht 508IQ. Milled sand was found next 
to this structure, as well as concrete anchoring 
posts pointing to the foundation hosting the stamp 
mill. 
? The Great Western Mine at Elandslaagte 28 
This mine started mining in 1888 (Brink & Waanders, 2011). It is speculated that the 
mine was closed for an unspecified period, because Kriel and Germishuys (1957) 
mentioned that the Great Western mine started production in the nineteen thirties 
following renewed interest in the area. Borchers (1964, in Robb and Robb, 1998) 
reported that the mine sporadically produced until 1937 when it finally closed. A reef 
drive was developed along strike underneath the Vaal River from the Free State to the 
North West Province side. The mine was closed after intersection of a water fissure 
below the Vaal River and flooding of the mine. 
During its lifespan 97.3 kg of gold was produced from 19,050 t of ore (Whiteside et al., 
1976). Brink and Waanders (2011) estimated a total production at 104 kg of gold from 
2157 t of ore at 4.80g/t.  
Nel (1927) mentioned that Molengraaff reported that the reef here consists of a basal 
conglomerate (1 metre thick), followed by overlying coarse pyritic sandstone.   
Classification 
Mines and trenches were observed. 
Infrastructure  
Of concern here is the tailings disposal facility (TDP), previously called slimes dam, 
which is eroding and depositing material into the Vaal River (see Section 3.3.2). The 
adit and shaft observed were not fenced off and the shaft particularly poses a threat to 
visitors due to the steep walls. Remains of the cement platform possibly used for the 
38 
stamp battery and cyanide leaching bins are visible (Figure 23). The whole area 
including the shaft with rock dump and slimes dam could be a tourism attraction if safety 
measures are implemented. 
  
Figure 23. The remains of mining beneficiation infrastructure at the Great Western mine. The 
rectangular cement blocks in the foreground were part of the foundation of a stamp battery, 
whilst the rounded, cylindrical structures were the bases for cyanide leaching bins. Compare the 
photograph at the right (from Kriel & Germishuys, 1957) with the one taken in 2010 (fifty years 
later). 
Beneficiation 
In an undated report written by a mining engineer from London and Edinburgh, Henry 
Patterson, the prospecting work returned grades of 19 dwts to the ton (original 
document in possession of the current owner of the farm, Mr P Erasmus; also 
mentioned by Brink & Waanders, 2011). Patterson also mentioned that where the reef 
passes through the farm Kleinfontein 110, visible gold and a large nugget was found 
during prospecting efforts. Patterson recommended a 10 stamp battery to be erected 
between the base of the hill and the river with ore being conveyed with a tram system 
from all the reefs and cuttings to the battery. The workings were favourably mentioned 
in Patterson‘s letter to financiers and investors. Brink and Waanders (2011) date this 
report to around 1890, but on the available copy the date of 1924 was pencilled in. 
Buildings 
Various buildings exist from that period and are still in use by the property owner. 
Geotourism potential 
The mine is not at this stage being used for any tourism activities but some of the 
infrastructure could be made available for tourist attractions. 
 
39 
? Tygerfontein 488IQ (Tygerfontein 70 on Nel‘s 1923-5 map) 
In the late 1990s the Randfontein Estates Gold-mining Corporation (REGM) acquired 
the prospecting rights to the Kimberley Reefs and prospected at various sites on this 
farm to identify potential surface mining sites, if any. This company was later sold and 
the prospecting initiatives ceased. 
Classification 
Mines and trenches exist. 
Infrastructure 
No infrastructure exists. 
Beneficiation  
No signs of beneficiation activities were observed and it is assumed that the ore from 
limited mining was treated at the adjoining farm Rooderand.  
Buildings  
No mining-related buildings exist on the farm. 
Geotourism potential 
The development observed on the farm Tygerfontein falls within the Suikerbos Nature 
Resort. The mines are on a hiking trail and it is recommended that proper investigations 
be done since this resort is often used by school camping groups (S Theron, 2010, 
personal communication). Access to the resort is controlled but the mine workings are 
all unfenced and no warning signs are present. 
Mining of the Johannesburg Subgroup basal units (Yellow, Rous, Red, Meisters, Odin, 
and Main Reefs) 
A total of 2 mining sites were identified in these reefs and are indicated on a GIS map 
(Appendix B and Figure 10).  
According to Nel (1927) the Yellow (or Rous Series), and the Red Reef or Meisters 
Series (or Odin Reef) or Main Reef occur in the thick mass of quartzites between the 
Amazon Reefs and the top of the Kimberley slate (Figure 9). These reefs, also referred 
to as the Witfontein Reefs (Nel, 1927), were mined from the base of the Johannesburg 
Subgroup. According to Brink and Waanders (2011) the Meisters Series is the 
equivalent of the Main Reef, and the Rous‘ Series that of the Vaal Reef mined in the 
Klerksdorp Goldfield.  
40 
The reference to yellow or red in the name of the reef can be seen in the colour of the 
quartzites around the mines. The colours are attributed to the argillaceous material 
found in the quartzites and in some cases, as on Rooderand 510IQ, ferruginous shales 
display yellow and red oxidation colours (Figure 24). 
 
Figure 24. Example of the red and yellow colours (weathering) observed in the reefs, quartzites, 
and ferruginous shales at Rooderand 510IQ. 
These reefs are inconsistent and poorly-developed and very little is known about their 
economic value. Sampling results from 50 tons of the Odin Reef, a member of the 
Meisters Series, returned 12 dwts to the ton (18.7 g/t). However, this reef was displaced 
by faulting and could not be investigated further (Brink & Waanders 2011). Brink and 
Waanders (2011) mention that during the period from 1948 to 1950 drilling was 
conducted by Strathmore Exploration and Management Ltd on the Rous‘ Series, i.e. 
Vaal Reef. Only two mines, KL1 and RO1, were observed where this reef was mined 
(Figure 10 and Appendix B). 
? Koedoeslaagte 516IQ (Koedoeslaagte 59 on Nel‘s 1923-5 map) 
The reef mined at Koedoeslaagte was referred to as the Red Reef. 
Although the mine, KL1, is visible from the road it is quite a distance from the road. The 
dense vegetation makes locating the adit very difficult. The hanging wall to the adit is 
very unsafe. This is due to the steep slope directly above the adit which consists of 
unconsolidated gravel and soil (Figure 25). Evidence of recent human occupation in and 
around the mine is of concern as it has a very good vantage point to the road. This 
concern is due to regular burglaries at dwellings in the area. The staff of the interim 
41 
management office of the VDWHS based in Venterskroon was informed of this. The 
waste rock dump‘s size indicates development in the region of 100 metres. 
 
Figure 25. The adit, KL1, on the Red Reef at Koedoeslaagte 516IQ. Note the dangerous 
condition of the overhang. 
Classification 
A single mine adit was observed. 
Infrastructure 
No visible infrastructure exists. 
Beneficiation  
No beneficiation activities were observed. 
Buildings  
No buildings were observed. 
Geotourism potential 
The adit, KL 1 (Appendices B and C), was found with great difficulty and since access to 
this specific reef is very limited this adit should be limited to scientific access only since 
there are only two sites where this reef was mined and are accessible, keeping the 
unstable overburden in mind (Figure 25). 
  
42 
? Rooderand 510IQ (Rooderand 26 on Nel‘s 1923-5 map) 
Classification 
Mines and trenches were observed. 
Infrastructure 
Several mining activities, (RO 1-4) were concentrated on this farm‘s southern extent a 
mere 500 metres from the Vaal River (Appendix B). The Yellow Reef/Rous Series, and 
the Red Reef/Main Reef were accessed firstly through a decline in the quartzite hanging 
wall. The decline (RO1) dips at around 30? and is the only decline development on 
waste rock found in the VD as development were normally horizontal to intersect the 
reefs. The decline is only accessible down to 60 m as the rest is filled with water. No 
conglomerate was observed and it seems that the conglomerate is underneath the 
water level. 
The reef mined could not be observed in outcrop but from the material found on the 
discard dump it appears to consist of small to medium-sized pebble, matrix supported 
conglomerate (Figure 26).  
 
Figure 26. The Yellow Reef/Rous Series or Red Reef/Main Reef observed on the stockpile on 
Rooderand 510IQ. This reef is a small to medium size pebble matrix supported conglomerate. 
Adit RO2 has through-ventilation and is in excess of 100 m deep. Top holing is through 
winzes RO3 and RO4. Both winzes are dipping at around 50? and very dangerous. 
43 
Discard dumps were observed (Figure 27). The mine adits are located high up against a 
steep hill with burned out coal and wood residues located at the foot of the hill directly 
below the mine adits. This could have been where a steam generator, like the one 
mentioned earlier, was located. The absence of any other beneficiation activities and 
the remoteness of these adits from the other mines north of the Vaal River raise 
questions around the locality of extraction facilities used. One could speculate that the 
reef was transported to the Nooitgedacht and Rebokkop mines and beneficiation plant 
almost directly across the river. The distance would be around 3 km. The closest other 
mines are more than 6 km away. Transportation across the river could have been done 
by using a cable system or by pontoon.  
 
Figure 27. Reef is stacked high up against the hill between the mines on Rooderand 510IQ. The 
hat is for scale. 
Brink and Waanders (2011) mentioned mining of the Main Reef along the Vaal River on 
this farm but no production figures are known. 
Beneficiation  
No beneficiation activities were observed. 
Buildings  
No buildings were observed. 
  
44 
Geotourism potential 
All mining scars have been fenced in with rolls of security wire, but, already curious 
people have trashed the fences at each locality.  The developments are recommended 
for scientific more than tourism interest as access to this specific reef is limited. 
Mining of the Jeppestown Subgroup (Veldschoen Reef) 
The Veldschoen Reef was stratigraphically the deepest reef to be mined from the 
Jeppestown Subgroup. A total of 30 mining excavations were documented on the 
Veldschoen Reef (Figure 10 and Appendix B). 
Nel (1927) mentioned that the Free State Reefs Ltd. Company was mining the 
Veldschoen reefs on the farms Rebokkop 290 and Nooitgedacht 89 during October 
1926. The general lenticular nature of the Veldschoen Reefs and the abundance of 
faulting were mentioned by Nel (1927) as the main reason for the discouraging gold 
grades obtained.  
? Aasvogelrand 249 (Aasvogelrand 293 on Nel‘ 1923-5 map) 
Classification 
Trenches were observed. 
Infrastructure 
Four trench and prospecting pit activities were found on this farm.  
Beneficiation  
No beneficiation activities were observed. 
Buildings 
No buildings were observed. 
Geotourism potential 
All trenches are less than two metres deep and are therefore not dangerous to tourists. 
If ever development progresses towards a resort or access to tourists, detailed 
investigations must be conducted and fencing and warning signposts considered. The 
sites are not visible from the road and difficult to locate. 
 
 
45 
? Rebokkop 290 
Classification 
A mine adit and a vertical shaft were observed. 
Infrastructure 
Brink and Waanders (2011) described the ore body as brecciated ferruginous mudstone 
which was mined at the base of the Veldschoen Reef associated with a shear zone. 
They also mentioned the recovery of 2.35 kg gold from 682 tons of ore at 3.45g/t from 
this mine. 
A vertical shaft was sunk to allow extraction of ore from the adit level and possible 
levels below the current water table. Structural complexity seems to have been the main 
reason for closure of this mine despite it having a well-planned infrastructure. The reef 
drive at the first level is supported with post mining steel structures whilst the shaft 
below is filled with water (Figure 28). 
 
Figure 28. Underground infrastructure covering a water filled shaft and leading to an 
unventilated end at Rebokkop 290. 
Beneficiation 
No beneficiation activities were observed but the remains of a road leading to the 
adjoining farm, Nooitgedacht 89, and the presence of beneficiation activities on this 
farm could indicate transportation of ore to the Nooitgedacht facility. 
46 
Buildings 
No buildings were observed on this farm. 
Geotourism potential 
An adit with a fairly new gate is located close to the road. The proximity to the road and 
visibility allows easy access to passers-by resulting in measures by the property owner 
to close off the site to access without permission. This signage could lead to interested 
tourists entering the property to explore old workings and creates a very dangerous 
condition as visitors can fall into the vertical, water filled shaft. The drive on the other 
side of the shaft is a dead end with resultant poor ventilation and gas threats. Due to the 
poor ventilation and flooding this mine should not be used for tourism activities and the 
current measures to close it off and warn trespassers are commended.  
? The Colin Voi Mine at Nooitgedacht 89 
During its lifespan, 26.6 kg of gold was produced according to Whiteside et al. (1976). 
Brink and Waanders (2011) mentioned prospecting activities during 1926 and 1927, 
mining in 1934 and dump treatment with cyanide in 1935. They also mentioned 
production figures  of 18.97 kg gold from 3540 tons of ore at 5.5g/t. S.A. Townships 
drilled the Veldschoen Reef here in 1937, referred to as borehole N1 (Brink & 
Waanders, 2011). 
Classification: 
A mine with shaft was observed. 
Infrastructure 
The mine consists of two stopes, a vertical shaft and an adit. The stopes are open to 
surface (Figure 29) and since it is unfenced it poses a safety hazard. 
Beneficiation 
A full beneficiation plant is presumed to have existed here, treating ore from the mines 
in the vicinity. Remains of a sand dam are visible and cement foundations with steel 
bolts can be seen. The presence of cement bowl shape structures similar to those 
observed at Great Western mine are assumed to have been the bases of cyanide 
leaching bins. 
Buildings  
No mining related buildings were observed. 
47 
Geotourism potential 
The rock dump is visible from the road and with the entire infrastructure unfenced; this 
mine is considered to pose a health and safety hazard. 
 
Figure 29. Stopes on Nooitgedacht 89 open to surface 
Very limited information exists on the prospecting and mining history of the following 
properties and the available info is reported. 
? Welgevonden Mine on Eensgevonden 232  
Brink and Waanders (2011) mention small scale trenching in 1933 and again during the 
period from 1934 to 1937. No results are available. 
? Eerstegeluk 515 
This farm is situated between the farms Sunnyside and Libertas. Brink and Waanders 
(2011) reported that prospecting on this farm returned 8 dwts to the ton 12.44 g/t for the 
reef explored at this site (assumed to be the Veldschoen Reef).  
? Mimosa Grove 491 
S.A. Townships drilled the Veldschoen Reef here in 1937, namely borehole M1 (Brink & 
Waanders, 2011). Boreholes were also drilled on Renosterpoort 108: borehole R1; and 
48 
on Virginia 518: borehole V1, but with resulting low values. This farm is situated near 
Reitzburg. 
General 
It was observed at most mines where the reef and waste were separately 
dumped/stockpiled adjacent to the excavations, that the reef segmentation was coarser 
than that of the waste possibly due to blasting techniques (Figure 30). The question 
arises as to why the ore was never removed during the final mining days? Did the plants 
belong to different syndicates to the mines or were some of the mines toll treating for 
others? This could have led to the owners of the plants closing them and relocating to 
the Johannesburg goldfield before the final ore could be delivered for treatment? Or did 
all the mining activities come to an abrupt halt for some other reason? 
 
Figure 30. Separate reef stockpiles and waste dumps at mine BK3, Buffelskloof 483 IQ, where 
the Amazon Reef was mined. In this case there is the possibility that all mining activity was 
terminated before the ore was transported to a nearby plant. 
Another unsolved mystery seems to be the complete absence of mining equipment and 
infrastructure excluding cement structures. The remoteness of the mines and 
abundance of other old farm implements in the area excludes the possibility of recent 
removal for scrap metal. Was mining equipment so scarce during those times of import 
that all equipment had to be taken with to enable future success in new endeavours? 
 
Reef dump 
Waste dump 
Shaft 
49 
Gold-mining outside the VDWHS 
These mines were not surveyed since they fall outside the study area, but to compile a 
complete list of mining activities in the Vredefort Dome the mines are listed below. 
? Mayer’s Mine on Lindekweesfontein 73. 
This mine is situated near Reitzburg. Brink and Waanders (2011) mentioned that the 
Veldschoen Reef was mined at this site between 1933 and 1935, and 0.092 kg gold 
was recovered from 523 tons of ore at 5.67g/t. According to Kriel and Germishuys 
(1957) an average grade for this reef was 16 dwts to the ton or 24.88 g/t. 
? Willie 905 
The only information on this site is that it was mined during 1933 (Brink & Waanders, 
2011). 
? Procedeerfontein 100 
Brink and Waanders (2011) mentioned late unsuccessful prospecting operations on 
Procedeerfontein 100, northeast of Parys, from 1934 to 1953 by Transvaal-Orangia 
Main Reefs Ltd., on the Cullinan or Vaal Reef and the Veldschoen Reef. 
Other mining activities 
The mining of hematite for manufacturing of artefacts could be a possibility, referring to 
the iron artefacts found by Waanders et al. (2005). A source for hematite could be the 
Witwatersrand banded ironstones although no mining excavations were identified in the 
VDWHS as yet.  
2.2.3 SITES OF INTEREST IN THE VICINITY OF MINES 
These sites could be classified as culturally significant heritage sites. 
Kraals  
At most of the major mine sites three types of historic architecture is visible. The oldest, 
probably bearing no association with the later gold-mining activities, is the circular 
shelters. These features contain stacked rock walls normally not more than one meter in 
height, which withstood weathering through the ages (Figure 31). These were home to 
Sesotho or Setswana-speaking farmers from the 1500s to the 1700s. Most of the 
50 
villages were built in defensive positions on the crest of the hills, but it did not save them 
from destruction by the warriors of Mzilikazi (Reimold & Gibson, 2005). 
 
Figure 31. Remains of stone kraals (Rooderand 518IQ) often seen on hills all over the VDWHS. 
These kraals are seen as Sesotho of Setswana dwellings and cattle kraals from the 1500s to 
the 1700s. 
 Mining infrastructures 
The second type of historic infrastructure around old mines is mining offices, equipment 
and explosives stores or shelters. These structures were built with rock walls with or 
without mud plaster and were used mainly during the active mining times (Figure 32). 
 
Figure 32. Stone-walled square buildings in the vicinity of gold-mines on Rooderand 518IQ. 
Historic sites 
The third historic infrastructure visible is lookout points close to mining areas. These are 
semi-circular rock-walled shelters and sniper or observer structures (Figure 33), 
probably dating from the Anglo-Boer War during the period 1899 to 1902. 
51 
 
Figure 33. Lookout shelters located close to mines on Koedoesfontein 478IQ close to QKF10.  
2.3 GRANITE DIMENSION STONE QUARRIES: IDENTIFICATION AND 
DESCRIPTION 
In defining the term dimension stone, Oosterhuis (1998:259) cited Thrush (1968):  
... incorporating all naturally occurring rock material, cut, shaped, or selected for use in 
blocks, slabs, sheets or other construction units of specific shapes or sizes, and used for 
exterior or interior parts of buildings, foundations, kerbing, paving, flagging or for other 
architectural or engineering purposes. 
When dimension stone is used as ornamental stone for decorative purposes the focus 
is usually on qualities such as uniform colour and/or texture (referring to grain size, 
shape and arrangement of the grains). Granite is notable for its quality to withstand 
weathering giving rise to a long-lasting polished finish even when exposed to harsh 
climatic conditions. The variety of colours, patterns and textures of granite, together with 
its ability to sustain a polished finish, renders granite a popular choice in ornamental 
stone. Dimension stone from different areas is marketed under specific trade names of 
which the following are different varieties of the so-called Parys Granite that was mined 
in the Vredefort Dome: ?African Flame?, ?African Juparana?, and ?Transvaal Rosso? 
(Oosterhuis, 1998). 
2.3.1 GENERAL GEOLOGY 
The Archaean granite and granitic gneisses of the VD outcrop occur in the core of the 
Dome.  The central part of the core is made up of the older Inlandsee leucogranofels 
(ILG), composed of leucogneiss and leucogranulite, and the outer part consisting of the 
52 
Outer Granite Gneiss (OGG), composed of younger granite and granitic gneiss (Figure 
10, and Appendix D).  
According to radiometric age determinations the ILG is dated at 3.5 Ga, and the OGG at  
3.05 Ga (Stepto, 1990). The Archaean granitic assemblage is similar to those found 
elsewhere in the country except for the unusually high metamorphic granulite grade in 
the ILG core terrain (Hart et al., 1981a, b). 
Through the exposed quarry faces and three-dimensional blocks of granite intersected 
by pseudotachylite veins, mining contributed to the understanding of the formation of 
the impact cratering event. Pseudotachylitic breccia is molten material formed during 
impact and movement that flowed, carrying chunks of unmolten granite within the melt 
(Bisschoff, 1999b), 
The sheer magnitude of the impact event becomes evident on observation of the 
enormously thick veins of pseudotachylitic breccia as illustrated in Figure 34. The 
basement granite exposed within the ring of hills (collar of the Vredefort Dome) is 
estimated to have been seven to ten kilometres beneath the surface when the impact 
occurred 2.023 Ga ago (Hart et al., 1981a). 
 
Figure 34. The spectacular, much photographed, quarry face at Leeukop quarry, Kopjeskraal 
517, displaying thick veins of pseudotachylitic breccia (dark grey to black) containing large 
blocks of unmolten granite (pale pink and medium grey). 
53 
2.3.2 MINING HISTORY OF THE GRANITE QUARRIES 
Granite mining commenced in the Vredefort Dome around 1890 and continued until 
1998. One of the first granite miners and workers, Mr Mario Angelo Pedretti, immigrated 
to the area from Italy as granite sculptor. He initiated mining in the area of the current 
Parys waterworks and soon afterwards blocks were used to construct the Parys jail 
(Figure 35) in 1896 and the post office (Figure 36) (T van Rensburg, Head of 
Correctional Centre, Parys, personal communication, 12 February 2010). Parys Granite 
(trade name) became popular and was transported to Potchefstroom and the rest of the 
country where it was used to construct mainly government buildings. Further afield, the 
Receiver of Revenue building in Rissik Street, Johannesburg and also in the 
Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria were built or decorated with the Parys Granite. Parys 
Granite can be seen in the older areas of the O.R. Tambo International Airport. 
According to Mr Mario Pedretti (son of the first mentioned Pedretti), the granite mining 
continued until the late nineteen-eighties when the focus moved to the Brits area where 
norites of the Bushveld Igneous Complex are mined. The decline in the mining of Parys 
Granite was also due to the environmental pressure applied by local population due to 
the noise and dust (Figure 37) made by the mining companies when they used a 
thermal lance (flame cutter) (Figure 38). This machine used a mixture of paraffin and 
diesel with oxygen to cut the granite and was used mainly to remove the outer 
weathered crust from the surfaces of outcrops to establish the quality of the stone and 
then to define the block that should be mined. 
 
Figure 35. The first granite dimension stone 
mined around the area was used in the 
construction of the Parys jail in 1896. 
 
Figure 36. Granite blocks used in the construction 
of the post office, Parys. 
 
54 
 
 
Figure 37. Cloud of fine particles created when a 
thermal lance cuts a slot into a granite block. 
This photograph was copied from the Techcorr 
website (Techcorr, 2012). 
Figure 38. Thermal lance cutting a slot in 
granite. This photograph was copied from 
the Techcorr website (Techcorr, 2012). 
The third reason for the demise of the industry around Parys was the unexpected 
appearance of the black pseudotachylite, which was not met with approval 
internationally. Today the pseudotachylitic breccia is regarded as one of the unique 
testimonies supporting the meteorite impact theory. 
The granite from the OGG is similar to that mined at Leeukop (GQ3, Kopjeskraal 517, 
Appendix D). This rock was locally known as ?African Juparana? (Oosterhuis, 1998) 
named, by Mr Pedretti (senior) (Mr Mario Pedretti (junior), personal communication, 20 
February 2010), after a similar rock type found in Brazil.  
Mining methods observed during fieldwork ranged from thermal lance cutting (Figure 
39) to percussion drilling (Figure 40) and in one case (Kopjeskraal 517 GQ8, Appendix 
D) diamond wire cutting (Figure 41). 
In some cases splitting of the blocks were done (Figure 42) by drilling a series of narrow 
holes a few inches apart with a pneumatic drill. Two half-cylinders of steel called 
?feathers‘ were inserted into all the holes. A steel wedge-shaped ?plug‘ was then 
inserted. The plugs were then hit in succession with a hammer and a straight split in the 
granite block would result. 
55 
 
Figure 39 Thermal lance grooves clearly visible 
on a quarry face (GQ8, Kopjeskraal 517). 
 
Figure 40. Markings left by percussion drilling 
holes, which are loaded with dynamite to 
crack the granite (GQ8, Kopjeskraal 517). 
  
Figure 41. The flat surfaces of two dimension stone blocks from the quarry, GQ8, on 
Kopjeskraal 517 that were cut with diamond wire. 
In some cases leftovers of ignition cord and jumper rods are still visible in the drill holes 
(Figure 43a and Figure 43b).  
Due to the listing as a WHS, no further mining of the quarries are allowed. The last 
blocks of precious granite from these quarries are being transported to locations country 
wide and cut locally by the third generation Mr Angelo Pedretti. Blocks, unsuitable as 
ornamental stone, are left scattered around quarries amongst the rubble and mine 
dumps (Figure 44). 
56 
 
Figure 42. A historic photograph from Silver Grey Quarry, Creetown. Kirkcudbrightshire. Two 
quarrymen can be seen inserting the ?plug and feathers‘ into a large granite block. A recently 
separated block can be seen in the foreground. This photograph was copied from the Drystone 
garden website (Drystone, 2012)  
  
Figure 43. (a) Ignition cord used to ignite dynamite candles, still dangling from drill holes at the 
GQ8 quarry on Kopjeskraal 157 and (b) jumper rods, used to do percussion drilling, still visible 
in some drill holes at the same quarry. 
a b 
57 
 
Figure 44. Scattered unused granite blocks around a quarry GQ12 photographed from a hot air 
balloon. 
The Salvamento Quarry (GQ2) located close to the road on Kopjeskraal 517 displays a 
full sequence of the mining process. The various mining methods at this quarry are 
shown in Figure 45 with thermal lance cutting done in the main mining area (Figure 
45(a)), followed by percussion drilling of the individual blocks of dimension stone (Figure 
45(b)), and lastly blasted to dislodge the individual blocks (Figure 45(c) and (d). 
2.3.3 IDENTIFICATION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE GRANITE QUARRIES 
A total of fifteen quarries were documented during this study and recorded in 
Appendices D and C. 
GQ1 Pedretti Quarry at Kopjeskraal 517 
This is a small quarry (GQ1), filled with water, and located close to Parys on the 
Kopjeskraal road. The eastern mining face displays excellent examples of soil-forming 
processes from the parent granitic bedrock (Figure 46). It is currently protected by an 
ordinary cattle fence along the road and access could be gained from the Vaal River 
side, and the tarred Kopjeskraal road.  
58 
 
Figure 45. In this photograph a full mining sequence from (a) thermal lance cutting, to (b) 
percussion drilling, and (c) blasting is displayed at the Salvamento Quarry. To the left of the 
quarry face block (d) just tipped over, while block (c) was lifted out of its original position by 
explosives. 
Mining methods 
Percussion drilling and thermal lance cutting mining methods were utilized here. 
Geotourism potential: 
This exposure will be valuable for educational purposes. This mine is close to the road 
and although not directly visible, it should be considered for tourism potential. 
a b 
c 
d 
59 
 
Figure 46. Weathering of OGG granite visible at GQ1 resulting in the formation of acidic soils 
and granitic boulders (Pedretti‘s quarry, Kopjeskraal 517). 
GQ2 Salvamento Quarry, Kopjeskraal 517 
The quarry walls display evidence of geovandalism where recent diamond drilling 
samples were taken, presumably for research, but later returned and cemented back in 
place (Figure 47a and b). At least this is the first known case where a mistake was 
acknowledged and an attempt made to correct it. Perhaps a lesson can be learned here 
by all geoscientists.  
Another case of defacing a quarry faces by drill sampling can be observed at the Otavi 
Quarry on the R59 Parys-Sasolburg road. This Otavi Quarry is one of the famous 
historic excursion stops, which numerous overseas researchers have visited. The 
quarry is outside the proposed VDWHS, and, therefore, has not been included in this 
study. 
Mining methods 
At the Salvamento Quarry percussion drilling and thermal lance cutting mining methods 
were utilized. This mine has the largest concentration of unused blocks stacked east of 
the quarry. Dimension stone cutting experts rendered the blocks useless for current 
purposes due to excessive fracturing possibly caused by the mining process. 
60 
  
Figures 47a and b. Scientific researchers start to heed the concepts of conservation when the 
cores of diamond drilling were returned and cemented back in the quarry wall at Salvamento. 
Geotourism potential 
This is a prominent and well-known quarry that is currently regularly visited by tourists, 
researchers and student groups. The access gate is open and access to the mine is 
invited through the abundant dimension stone blocks scattered throughout the area. Of 
concern here are the vertical pit walls sometimes in excess of three meters high. 
Thermal lance cutting grooves up to 15 centimetres wide, also pose a safety risk. This 
mine is close to the road and should be considered for tourism potential. 
GQ3 Leeukop/ Marlin Quarry, Kopjeskraal 517 
Leeukop Quarry forms the topographic high in the Kopjeskraal area and hosts the most 
impressive pseudotachylitic breccia exposure on the southern wall of the quarry (Figure 
48). The quarry is water-filled. 
The quarry closed in 1998 due to problems with water, extraction of rock from the 
quarry and the destabilization of the steep quarry wall (Gibson, 2001). This was 
confirmed by a local resident, who was involved with the mine, mentioning the pit walls 
rendered extraction and conveyance with trucks impossible towards the end of the 
quarry life. This followed attempts to change the types of conveyor machinery (P. Kemp, 
personal communication, 15 March 2010). 
Mining methods 
Percussion drilling and thermal lance cutting mining methods were utilized here. 
Geotourism potential 
The risk profile is very high here as up to 50 meter vertical pit walls with unstable rock 
dumps exist. Erosion holes and channels exist on the northern rock dump. A tour 
a b 
61 
operator currently uses the quarry for abseiling. Access to the site is restricted by a 
locked gate and a notice. However, entry is gained through adjacent properties by 
tourist accommodation owners who do guided cycling trips through the quarry. This 
mine is close to the road and should be considered for tourism potential. 
 
Figure 48. At Leeukop Quarry, the exfoliating granite pluton resembles a lion‘s head when 
viewed from the north. A very impressive pseudotachylitic breccia vein is exposed along the 
quarry face. This photograph illustrates how the quarrying contributed to the visualization of the 
three dimensional shape of these veins, something that would not have been possible on this 
scale without quarrying the Parys granites. 
GQ4 Rietpoort 518 
The Rietpoort Quarry has high vertical pit walls and is water-filled (Figure 49). This 
quarry has dangerous rock dumps with erosion holes. Attempts at construction of a road 
on the rock dump by capping of the rock dump are visible where soil was used as 
superficial cover. This has resulted in dangerously deep erosion holes forming in the 
dump along with unstable ground conditions. Unused blocks were used in the 
construction of a dam wall.  
62 
 
Figure 49. The Rietpoort Quarry, GQ4, with vertical walls and filled with water (Rietpoort 518). 
Mining methods 
Percussion drilled and thermal lance cutting grooves are visible. 
Geotourism potential 
It is recommended that an urgent risk assessment be done as there are currently 
tourism activities on this farm. 
GQ5 and GQ6 at Rietpoort 518 
Two quarries exist on Rietpoort 518. Quarry GQ5 is water-filled; while GQ6 is dry (no 
photograph available, see Appendix D).  
Mining methods 
Evidence of thermal lance cutting and percussion mining is seen. 
Geotourism potential 
Vertical pit walls are a danger in this quarry, but this quarry is not visible from the road. 
The quarries are located deep into private land and are currently not used for any 
tourism activities, but both would be suitable if made safe. 
GQ8 at Kopjeskraal 517 
This quarry is located right next to the road and is visible to passers-by. The site is 
cattle-fenced and not used as a visitor‘s attraction at the moment. Attempts were made 
63 
to fence in the individual quarry faces. Vertical pit walls exist in this water-filled quarry. A 
seven meter high rock dump exists.  
Mining methods 
Percussion drilling, thermal lance cutting and limited wire cutting mining methods were 
observed in this quarry. 
Geotourism potential 
If safety precautions are met this quarry can be used as a tourist attraction. 
GQ7 at Rietpoort 518 
The quarry is visible from the main Parys-Potchefstroom road and close to it. Access 
could not be arranged to this quarry. This appears to be a very small quarry in 
comparison to the rest. 
GQ11 at Rensburgs Drift 432 
This quarry was mined by Marlin Quarries operations (Mario Pedretti). Rehabilitation 
efforts resulted in the quarry face being partially filled in with rubble. This now poses a 
safety risk as erosion holes occur in this area (Figure 50). There are also two very high 
rubble rock dumps with steep slopes (Figure 51).  
The granite is very coarse-grained. Of additional interest is a granophyre dyke situated 
close to the quarry and seen to cut the eastern face. This outcrop should be preserved 
for its academic and scientific value although weathered. 
Mining methods 
Percussion drilling and thermal lance cutting were used to mine this quarry. 
Geotourism potential 
As a result of the unsuccessful rehabilitation effort, infilling used resulted in unstable 
ground conditions rendering this quarry unsuitable for tourism.  
GQ13 at Spitzkop 1060 
The granite exposed in this quarry is very coarse-grained and positive weathering of 
quartz veins is visible in and around the quarry. A shear zone in the granite is exposed 
in the quarry face and should be preserved for its scientific value.  
64 
Quarry 
Waste rock 
dump 
Waste rock 
dump 
 
Figure 50. The quarry face at GQ11 (Rensburgs Drift 432) having been filled in with rubble. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 51. A distant view of the Rensburgs Drift Quarry, GQ11, with the two rock dumps. 
A crane (pivot steel structure), previously used for lifting blocks out of the quarry and 
placing them directly on the transportation medium indicate the position of the quarry 
and can be seen from a distance (Figure 52a). The pivot structure is also seen on the 
photograph in Figure 52b taken while the quarry when still in operation. Steel cables are 
grouted into the granite to secure the structure. 
The mining method at this quarry differs considerably from the rest observed in the 
area. The marking of the drill grid can still be observed and the steel pivot structure is 
still intact. The drill layout has been altered from a square grid to selective mining of 
blocks. This seems to have been done to exclude pseudotachylitic breccia and other 
structural features such as joints (Figure 53). 
65 
  
Figure 52. (a) The steel pivot structure at Spitzkop Quarry, GQ13, with the stabilizing cables still 
in place. (b) An old photograph of possibly the same quarry when in operation. This photograph 
was copied from the Marlin website (2012). 
Mining methods 
Percussion drilling and thermal lance cutting were used to mine this quarry. 
Geotourism potential 
This quarry has tourism potential mainly due to the remains of the mining infrastructure, 
as well as no water filling. 
2.4 CLASSIFICATION OF MINING SITES: POTENTIAL FOR 
GEOTOURISM 
Following the descriptions of the different mines and quarries, these mining activities 
are classified to enable the selection of sites that could be made safe and accessible to 
tourists and scientists. The rest of the sites should either be completely closed off due to 
hazardous conditions or at least fenced off to keep uninformed tourists out.  
The following is a set of criteria that were chosen to identify mines, prospecting trenches 
and granite quarries with scientific, educational and tourism value: 
? Representative lithological units mined 
A representative set of the mined lithologies would make possible educational variety, 
and access to different reefs with immediate hanging and footwall lithologies available 
to scientists for observation. 
a b 
66 
 
Figure 53. The commonly used square grid implemented to quarry the granite blocks was 
modified (as can be seen from the percussion holes in the picture) to cut out unwanted 
structural features and/or to make use of an existing joint system to obtain solid blocks.  
? Representative mining methods used 
Different mining methods were used by different companies to extract the ore. This 
would benefit educational variety, as well as historic value. 
? Presence of gold extraction facilities 
The metallurgical beneficiation processes of the gold-mines is important for engineering 
educational purposes, and, further, of historic importance since very few extraction sites 
exists.  
? Safety 
The mines can be up to 123 years old with very limited human interference since 
closure. Access to most of the sites is unrestricted and the sites can pose the following 
risks: 
? Toxic gases 
? Drowning 
? Falling into mine workings 
? Getting lost 
? Diseases transmitted by wild animals 
? Danger from snakes and bees/wasps 
67 
Sites categorized to be of value to geoconservation must be in a state where making 
safe activities would be possible. 
? Accessibility 
Sites closer to road access and accessible on foot without climbing over rough terrain 
will be more suitable and less costly to turn into tourist attractions. 
? Provincial locality 
With limited river crossings sites on both sides of the river will be selected to facilitate 
easier access by school groups and visitors from the two provinces.  
? Representative lithological units 
Gold-mines 
This refers to the lithological units of the Witwatersrand Supergroup which were mined 
in the case of the gold-mines. A representation of the three main conglomerate units 
(reefs), and variations thereof, mined in the VDWHS has to be selected for future 
reference.  
Granite quarries 
In the case of the granite quarries, all observed quarries occur in the OGG and none in 
the ILG. The difference in colour, viz. the whitish grey of the ILG versus the pinkish hues 
of the OGG, is the obvious reason why OGG, that is Parys Granite, was quarried. As 
the word ?ornamental? implies, fashion in interior/exterior decorating also plays a role in 
the popularity of ornamental stone. 
? Representative mining methods 
Gold-mines 
Although scattered pillar mining was the main gold-mining method employed, various 
stages of mining activities can be observed. This ranges from the initial exploration 
trenches, which strike perpendicular to the reefs, to areas where the complete mining 
infrastructures with reef drives, stopes and vertical shafts can be observed. The mining 
layout would typically consist of an adit with reef drives on each of the reefs intersected. 
These reef drives would then extend up to the side of a hill to provide free flow of air 
through the workplace (through ventilation) and a second escape. The stoping would 
extend up dip to surface or alternatively have raises or vent holes extending up to 
surface for ventilation. At some localities, expected to be the more modern mining 
layouts, a shaft has been sunk to facilitate extraction of ore from deeper levels. The 
68 
shaft infrastructure would then also be the conveyance for workers, material/equipment 
and ore to the surface. 
Granite quarries 
In the granite quarries, evidence of thermal lance cutting, percussion drilling and wire 
cutting were observed. The thermal lance cutting torches were also used extensively to 
clean granite outcrops in an attempt to locate the presence of pseudotachylite veins, as 
well as larger veins of pseudotachylitic breccia, to observe jointing patterns and to 
evaluate the general quality of the potential mining block. 
? Extraction facilities 
Gold-mines 
Gold extraction equipment was expensive and very scarce as it had to be imported and 
transported to the VDWHS into uneven and remote terrain with ox wagons. It is 
assumed that this is the main reason for the establishment of only a few beneficiation 
sites. The uncertainty associated with the successfulness of the gold-mining activities 
also must have been a factor. A complete beneficiation plant would have existed of, 
amongst others, Jameson tables, mercury drums, stamp batteries and cyanide leaching 
bins. Remains of sites where these facilities remained are scarce and should be 
preserved as heritage.  
Since 1887, nearly 50,000 tons of gold have been produced from mines of the 
Witwatersrand Basin (Viljoen and Reimold, 1999). That represented about 40 
percentage of the total global gold production at that stage. At present the 
Witwatersrand Basin still contains about 45 percentage of the world‘s gold resources 
(Rob & Rob, 1998).  
Historically, stamp mills were used to crush gold-bearing rock that was brought from the 
diggings. The ore was crushed into pieces smaller than 5 cm in size. The pieces were 
mixed with water and fed into an iron box located at the base of the stamp. The heavy 
stamps were attached to a camshaft at the top of the mill and were raised by power 
generated from an attached steam engine. The stamps dropped into the iron box where 
they crushed the gold ore. The stamp mills had to be ordered from overseas and 
transported by ox wagon from Cape Town, via Kimberley to the Vredefort Goldfield. The 
first stamp mills arrived in July 1886 and by 1894 2642 stamp mills were running day 
and night in the Johannesburg Goldfield (Handley, 2004). 
69 
Figure 54 displays photographs of a 10 stamp mill similar to those that would have been 
used on the Vredefort Goldfields. The stamp mill in the photograph went into operation 
at the Robinson mine at Langlaagte in Johannesburg in September 1886 (inscription on 
the mill – Figure 54). It is currently displayed in the Main Street Mining Mall in 
Johannesburg. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 54. (a) A ten stamp mill used at the Robinson mine at Langlaagte in Johannesburg. It 
went into operation in September 1886. (b) The cast reads: ?Robey & Co & MB Jordanson & 
Commans, Lincoln London?. 
Witwatersrand conglomerate gold was, during these times, mainly extracted from 
oxidized ore by passing crushed ore over mercury-coated copper plates with a 75 to 
80% gold recovery.  
The pulp discharged through the grates of the mortar box is allowed to flow over an 
inclined table, covered with a sheet of copper which has been amalgamated. The 
surface of the copper plate is scoured, then cleaned with a solution of potassium 
cyanide, and finally rubbed with mercury and a little sal ammoniac. The bright silvery 
surface is then capable of picking up tiny particles of gold in the pulp and retaining them 
in the form of a coating of amalgam. When a sufficient thickness has accumulated it is 
then scraped off, washed, mixed with mercury/quicksilver, washed with water, and 
finally squeezed through a canvas or chamois leather (Le Neve Foster, 1894). 
a 
b 
70 
In the case of unoxidized ore it was treated with a cyanide process. Foundations of the 
cyanide leaching bins are visible from the Great Western and Colin Voi Mines (Figures 
55 and 56). 
 
Figure 55. Cyanide bin foundations at the Great Western Mine, E1, Elandslaagte 28. 
 
Figure 56. Similar cyanide bin foundations at the Colin Voi mine, N1 on the farm Nooitgedacht 
89. 
71 
According to Sanders et al. (1994, in Robb & Robb, 1998), the official gold production 
from the Kimberley Elsburg Reefs in the Vredefort Goldfield amounts to 120 kilograms. 
From this study the total gold production totalled 158.95 to 167.95 kg. This Figure varies 
due to varying Figures published (Table 2). It is proposed that total gold production for 
the Vredefort goldfield in the VDWHS would have been in the region of 180 to 200 kg. 
This would include the myriad of small mines not quoted in the table or in previous 
literature and the fact that all production would not have been reported. Brink and 
Waanders (2011) also mentioned a fire which destroyed most of the early mining 
records (1912) in the Mining Commissioner‘s Office at Rooderand, Venterskroon.  
Table 2: Summary of gold production from 1869 to 1937 in the Vredefort Dome goldfield 
(Brink & Waanders, 2011; Sanders et al., 1994 in Robb & Robb, 1998.) 
Reef *Reference 
no. 
Mine and/or farm Time In 
Operation 
Gold Production 
(kg) 
Amazon K1-K8 Nooitgedacht 508IQ 1909-1911 24.00-25.00 
Amazon E1 Elandslaagte 28. Great 
Western Mine 
 
1888-1937 97.00-104.00 
Amazon R1-R24 Rooderand 26/510 IQ Approx. 
1869-1903 
No information 
Rous B23 Buffelshoek 1889-1899 10.00 
Veldschoen BE1 Rebokkop 290 
 
na 2.35 
Veldschoen N1 Colin Voi Mine / 
Nooitgedacht 89 
na 26.60 
Total kg gold produced 158.95-167.95 
*Reference no. - see geological map in Appendix C. 
na = not available 
Granite quarries 
Once the blocks have been excavated from the quarry they are lifted with a crane (pivot 
structure) (like that seen at GQ13, Spitzkop 1060) and loaded on lowbed trucks for 
delivery to the Parys railway station. These blocks were then railed to Durban for export. 
The blocks destined for the South African market were conveyed to Johannesburg 
where a Mr Paul Belfiore owned a masonry company which manufactured most of the 
tiles and blocks used in the construction industry (personal communication Mr Angelo 
Pedretti; 29 October 2012).  
  
72 
? Safety 
Gold-mines 
The mining method used in all the gold-mines is the conventional scattered pillar 
mining. The near vertical dip of the strata adds a very dangerous component to the 
abandoned sites. Stopes are open to surface resulting in approximately one metre-wide 
scars running along strike for tens of metres and extending down dip at 60? to vertical 
depths of up to 60 m. Shafts, ventilation holes and raises are openings from 2m x 2m to 
4m x 4m wide. Shafts and ventilation holes are vertical whilst raises follow the reef 
plane, and, therefore, dip at anything from 60? to vertical (Figure 57). Some attempts to 
fence in excavations with rolls of barbed fence have failed as curious visitors have 
trampled the fences to ground level, resulting in easy access. Near vertical stopes 
display signs of collapse and rock falls (Figure 58). When entering mine workings 
through adits, the risk exists of falling down shafts, ore passes or into stopes (Figure 
59). 
 
Figure 57. Near vertical stopes accessible from the side of the ridge at K3, Nooitgedacht 508 IQ. 
73 
 
Figure 58.  The same stope as in Figure 57, showing signs of collapse and crumbling pillars. 
 
Figure 59. An adit at R19, Rooderand 510 IQ where the stoping from the bottom level holed into 
the reef drive. The red flags were used in an attempt to warn visitors of the danger when 
walking past the site after abseiling down from a raise holed to surface (where sunlight enters to 
the left hand side of the picture). 
The hanging wall conditions in most mines are suspect and proper inspection is 
recommended. Overburden which falls down adits and any near vertical excavation are 
also a problem (Figure 60). 
74 
 
Figure 60. An adit QB13 on Buffelskloof 511 IQ with bad overhang at the entrance. 
Rock dumps are steep but a greater threat is represented by the sites where the rock 
dump has caved in and the risk exists of extensive failure (Figure 61). 
 
Figure 61. Rock dump, R15, on Rooderand 510IQ, displaying signs of caving. 
Granite quarries 
The granite quarries all feature high quarry walls (Figures 62 and 63) which are 
dangerous and sites identified as tourism areas should be made safe. Sites could be 
fenced off to prevent access and exposure to the risk of high walls and sinkholes. 
Further covering of rubble heaps and blocks are not recommended. It gives the false 
impression to uninformed visitors that the surface is safe to walk on. 
 
Caving 
75 
 
Figure 62. High quarry wall (approximately 4m) in Salvamento Quarry GQ2, Kopjeskraal 517IQ 
 
Figure 63. To the upper right of the group of people to the far right of the photograph unstable 
rock dumps and overburden at Leeukop Quarry GQ3 on Kopjeskraal 517IQ. 
Since the end of mining, erosion and degradation have resulted in serious safety 
conditions in most quarries. The risk associated with unstable rock dumps and 
overburden is visible at Leeukop Granite Quarry (Figure 63). 
Rocks dumps some with ramps, are usually unstable and often display serious caving 
that is often enhanced by water erosion (Figure 64). This is more dangerous than the 
gold-mines due to the size (often 3 to 4 cubic meters) of the dimension stone fragments 
comprising the waste dumps. 
? Accessibility 
Sites visible from the existing roads clearly pose larger safety risks as people exploring 
the area will be curious to investigate. Sites located in areas where tourists are currently   
76 
 
Figure 64. Caving observed at quarry GQ4, Rietpoort 518IQ 
concentrated, like lodges and hiking trails, are classified as high risk due to existing 
uncontrolled movement of people at these sites. 
On the other hand, sites with tourism potential should, preferably, be located close to 
existing roads where visiting the attractions can easily be facilitated, without building 
new access routes. In the case of the granite quarries, all are easily visible from existing 
roads due to their large rock dumps, all of which are attracting unwanted attention. 
Added value to some of the existing hiking trails would be access to some of the mining 
activities along these trails, but careful selection with safety in mind is of utmost 
importance due to accessibility during rescue operations should it be necessary. 
? Provincial locality 
Proposing sites representative of both provinces was thought to be important for 
especially educational purposes since access to the VDWHS from one province to the 
other there are only two river crossings available.   
2.5 NATURAL SITES OR AESTHETICALLY SIGNIFICANT HERITAGE 
SITES 
Various other sites are also linked to the mining industry in the VDWHS. They are 
therefore seen to be an integral part of the geoheritage of the area. Then the vast 
variety of biological life in the VDWHS, linked directly to the soil and underlying rock 
77 
formations, deserves mention in any discussion of the geoheritage of this area. 
Herewith some sites: 
Vredefort 
A historic view site of the Vredefort Dome (although serious misunderstandings also 
exist) just outside the town of Vredefort is at the coordinates 26° 59' 22.90" S, 27° 22' 
26.64" E. This site was the original marketing attempt for the Vredefort Dome by a Town 
Clark of Vredefort. It had a direction sign to the ?dome?, and reference to the Vredefort 
Library where more information on the ?meteorite? could be obtained (Figure 65). This 
site was taken by the uninformed as the site of the Vredefort ?Dome?. 
 
Figure 65. The site outside the town of Vredefort where the original ?meteorite? or Vredefort 
?Dome? was to be found (photograph courtesy Prof AA Bisschoff). 
An information centre as part of the World Heritage effort was built on the hill seen in 
the background of this photograph. The information centre is currently being equipped 
with the necessary displays pertaining to the meteorite impact structure and other 
relevant aspects. 
Schoemansdrift 
With the Schoeman family still living in the area, this historic river crossing bears 
testimony to human influences on nature. The remains of the old ?drift? from 
78 
Schoemans"drift? can be seen in Figure 66 where the flow of the water is interrupted by 
rocks stacked on the sides of the old road in the riverbed. Also visible are the buildings 
and roads leading to the pontoon ferry which was used as conveyance in times of 
floods. Figure 67 shows the bridge in 2007 with the irrigation wall and some invader 
species. 
 
Figure 66. Schoemansdrif around 1935, the drift and pontoon ferry crossings are visible on the 
right hand side of the photograph. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 67. Schoemansdrift in 2007, with the irrigation dam wall seen on the left hand side of the 
bridge (note also the presence of the hyacinths and eucalyptus trees). 
79 
Steenkampsberg 
Figure 68 shows the vertical to overturned strata of the Hospital Hill Subgroup of the 
Witwatersrand Supergroup clearly. The site provides an excellent lookout point which 
can aid in comprehending the magnitude of the impact event.  
 
Figure 68. The view to the east from the lookout point at Steenkampsberg on the property of 
Thwane Bush Lodge 
Kommandonek 
 Figure 69 shows the Kommandonek area with overturned Witwatersrand strata. This 
area is unique in that the Vaal River cuts perpendicularly across the Witwatersrand 
strata (Figure 70).  
Biodiversity 
The visitor to the VDWHS will be able to observe various botanical biomes when 
moving around between sites of geological interest. The close interdependence of 
geology, soil and plants makes mentioning of these unique biomes necessary. The 
grassland plant communities are of specific concern. These include the Carletonville 
Dolomite Grassland (CDG), Rand Highveld Grassland (RHG) and the Vredefort Dome 
Granitic Grassland (VDGG). The RHG and the VDGG are considered endangered and 
the CDG is considered vulnerable (De la Harpe, 2008). 
80 
 
Figure 69. Photograph showing the Kommandonek area with the overturned 
Witwatersrand strata. 
 
Figure 70. The Vaal River cutting across the Witwatersrand quartzites. View from a hot-air 
balloon. 
81 
2.6 THE LEGISLATIVE SITUATION:  SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND 
REHABILITATION OF SITES 
There are several mines and quarries identified in the VDWHS. These mines are all 
defunct and the mining companies deregistered. Since none of the mines have been 
closed and rehabilitated, they are still subject to the laws applicable to mines in SA.  
The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) is the 
primary act responsible for regulating mining activities in South Africa.  
Mining will not be allowed in the VDWHS in terms of Section 48(1) (c) of the National 
Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEM: PAA). A WHS is a protected 
area for purposes of this Act. The objectives of NEM: PAA are to provide, within the 
framework of national legislation, including the National Environmental Management Act 
(NEMA), for the declaration and management of protected areas; to provide for 
cooperative governance in the declaration and management of protected areas; to 
effect a national system of protected areas in South Africa as part of a strategy to 
manage and conserve its biodiversity; to provide for a representative network of 
protected areas on state land, private land and communal land; to promote sustainable 
utilisation of protected areas for the benefit of people, in a manner that would preserve 
the ecological character of such areas; and to promote participation of local 
communities in the management of protected areas (Kotze & De La Harpe, 2008). 
There may, however, be extraordinary circumstances where mining activities are 
allowed, in which instance numerous provisions of the MPRDA will be applicable. These 
include: provisions on EIA and accompanying environmental management plans and 
programs; prospecting, reconnaissance and retention permits, mining rights, and 
permits and provisions relating to mine closure and rehabilitation.  
Other acts which may also be applicable to mining activities include: the National 
Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 (NEMA) (the principal act in South Africa 
that provides for cooperative environmental governance), the National Environmental 
Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 200,  (NEM:BA)(concerning mining in national 
parks), the National Water Act 36 of 1998 (NWA)(a water use licence is required in 
terms of Section 21 before certain specified uses of water may commence), the Water 
Services Act 108 of 1997  (WSA)(applicable so far as water institutions are required to 
obtain permission from the relevant authorities before providing water services in a 
WHS), National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act 39 of 2004 (NEM:AQA)(the 
NEM:AQA provides for, among others, ambient and air quality standards, licensing of 
82 
certain activities, and EIAs, which may all be applicable to prospective applicants and 
authorities in WHS) and the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 (MHSA) (Kotze & 
De La Harpe, 2008). 
All the gold-mining activities, seen as historic workings, are all still classified as mines 
under the MHSA. This will be the case until the relevant mine is sealed, closed, 
rehabilitated and a closure certificate issued. The safety aspects relating to operating 
mines are therefore also applicable to these mines. This adds to the complication of 
having some mines open to the public. Regular entry inspections by a competent 
person will have to be done, among other legal requirements.  
2.6.1 RISK RANKING 
The Mine Health and Safety Act (South Africa, 1996) requires a risk assessment to be 
done an all activities which could impact on the safety and health of employees.  It was 
therefore important that a risk assessment be done to highlight the risk factors 
associated with the sites and to rank the sites to assist in the selection of the most 
desired sites for tourist access.  
A risk matrix was developed for use in the Vredefort Dome mining environment. This 
matrix assisted in identifying major areas of risk and was used to rank sites according to 
probability, exposure and severity of an undesired event occurring. The proposed risk 
matrix is intended to be used as a guide to enable the Vredefort Dome Management 
Authority and activity owners, with their personnel, to fulfil their moral and legal 
obligations of identifying and minimizing risk. 
The Mines Health and Safety Act (South Africa, 1996) defines a risk as a condition in 
which the possibility of loss exists. 
According to this act, risk is the degree of uncertainty with which an undesired event 
(accident, incident or near miss) is expected to occur, multiplied by the severity of the 
consequential loss for the event / occurrence; 
i.e.  Risk = P x E x C 
where: P =  the probability of an undesired event occurring; 
E =  exposure or frequency is the number of times a person performs 
the task multiplied by the duration of the task in one year; 
  C =  the severity or consequential loss associated with the event. 
 
83 
This means that risks are: 
? high when probability, exposure and severity of events are high, 
and, conversely, 
? low when probability, exposure and severity are low. 
The classification of the levels of severity associated with uncertainty, severity and 
consequential loss of events is given in Table 3. 
Table 3: Levels of severity associated with uncertainty, severity and consequential loss of 
events (adapted from Greyling, 2010). 
RISK MATRIX 
PROBABILITY  CONSEQUENCE  EXPOSURE  
Can it happen?  
V
a
lu
e
  
What injury / damage could we 
expect?  
V
a
lu
e
  
How often people 
are currently 
exposed to the 
hazard?  
V
a
lu
e
  
Happens often  7 
Catastrophic / Disaster / Multiple 
Fatalities / + R5 million  
7 Continuously  7 
Quite possible  6 
Fatality / Severe Permanent 
Disability / R1 - R5 million  
6 Frequently / Daily  6 
Unusual - has happened 
here before  
5 
Very Serious Injury (ICU) / 
R500000 - R1 million  
5 Often / Weekly  5 
Remotely possible - 
happened elsewhere  
4 
Serious Injury (ICU) / R100000 - 
R500000  
4 
Occasionally / 
Monthly  
4 
Very unlikely but 
conceivable – has not 
happened yet  
3 
Disabling Injury /  
R1000 - R100000  
3 Unusual / Yearly  3 
Practically impossible - 1 
in a million chance  
2 
Treat & Return Injury - Below  
R1000  
2 
Rare / Within 5 
Years  
2 
Virtually impossible - full 
certainty  
1 Near Miss Injury / Damage  1 
Remote / Beyond 5 
Years  
1 
RISK RATING = Probability X Consequence X Exposure 
0                 LOW                  100  101                  MEDIUM                   215  216            HIGH           343  
Potential hazards relating to the specific mining environment in the VDWHS with 
consequences are shown in Table 4. 
All mining sites with tourism potential can now be risk-rated and ranked according to the 
defined set of criteria. This rating was done per farm and is presented in Appendix E 
and discussed in Section 3.3.1. 
 
84 
Table 4: The proposed mine excavation risk ranking (RR) form. C = consequence; E = 
exposure; P = probability. 
   
RISK RANKING 
No. POTENTIAL HAZARDS CONSEQUENCE C E P PR = (C*E*P) 
1 Slipping and falling into mine 
workings 
Possible fatalities, serious 
injuries 
    
2 Falling into overburden/Dump Possible fatalities, serious 
injuries 
    
3 Hanging wall collapsing Possible fatalities, serious 
injuries 
    
4 Getting lost underground Possible fatalities, serious 
injuries 
    
5 Presence of gases in enclosed 
ends 
Possible fatalities, serious 
injuries 
    
6 Wild animals and insects (leopards, 
warthogs, etc.; bees, wasps, etc.) 
Possible fatalities, serious 
injuries 
    
7 Diseases (e.g. Histoplasmosis) Possible fatalities, serious 
injuries 
    
2.6.2 SAFETY ASPECTS AND SELECTIVE CLOSURE 
The greatest danger lies with mines close to public roads and specifically those visible 
from the roads. Visitors by car, motorbike or cycle or on foot can see these mines and 
are tempted to inspect them. Very few of the mines are fenced off and most are open 
with stopes, vent-holes and shafts gaping at the surface.  Farm fences are normally in 
very poor condition and people interested in inspecting workings can easily gain access. 
Where sites are inside private game reserves or camps access control is therefore 
limited. However, sites situated within the terrain of camp sites or lodges are very high-
risk due to concentration of people in the area. 
Due to the immediate safety risk of tourists entering gold-mines and granite quarries, 
the results of this study were made available to the North West Provincial Government, 
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Conservation on the 15th of September 
2010. The report included the details listed in Appendix C, and the proposal was made 
to contact landowners and discuss closure options with them.  
The legal situation with regard to rehabilitation responsibility and closure certificates 
was discussed with the Department of Mineral Resources and is discussed in Sections 
3.3.2 and 3.3.3. 
85 
2.6.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 
According to Wells et al. (1992) in Robb and Robb (1998), the major environmental 
problems on the Witwatersrand gold-mines relate to the mining method, the nature of 
minerals present in the ore body and the management of solid waste mine-residue. 
Mine dewatering, the presence of pyrite and uraninite with the gold and the creation of 
slimes dams through ore processing are regarded as major environmental problems of 
the industry.  
 At one mine site, KF1 at Koedoesfontein 478IQ the adit entrance has been partially 
closed (Figure 71). The result is that rain and groundwater fill up the underground 
development forming a large reservoir of contaminated water due to acid rock drainage. 
The water has been used in the past to water a vegetable plot and is currently the 
source for water for cattle. It is also a very reliable source of fire fighting water high up in 
the mountains next to the fire-fighting road established in 2008 by the North West 
Department of Agriculture. 
 
Figure 71. Mine adit KF1 at Koedoesfontein 478IQ partially closed for water extraction. 
At other mines like Rooderand (RO1) the presence of plastic pipes indicates extraction 
of mine water (Figure 72) 
86 
 
Figure 72. Looking down the decline, RO1, on Rooderand 510IQ. Of general concern is the 
presence of the plastic water pipes indicating extraction of water in the not too distant past. 
Tailings disposal facilities (slimes dams) are present in various localities where 
beneficiation took place. The erosion of tailings slimes into the Vaal River at Great 
Western mine (Figure 73) was clearly visible from the air.  
 
Figure 73. The erosion of tailings slimes into the Vaal River at Great Western Mine, E1, 
Elandslaagte 28. 
87 
At Rooderand 510IQ (RO1) (Appendix C), the rock dump is not more than 300 m from 
the Vaal River (Figure 74) and probably produces  AMD which could find its way to the 
river. 
 
Figure 74. The rock dump on Rooderand 518IQ, RO1, with the Vaal River visible in the 
background.